Bambasi, Asosa, Ethiopia
4 days ago
Livelihood Officer
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.The IRC has a focus on narrowing the gender gap in humanitarian aid and ensuring that we contribute to gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in both our programs and operations by working to establish a context where our clients (including those from minority groups) enjoy the same rights and opportunities as well as an equal access to services. The IRC also has a strong commitment to creating an equitable and inclusive culture, where safeguarding is upheld in our workplace and programs. We are determined to protect our clients and staff from safeguarding violations through prevention and, where misconduct is alleged, to address it without fear or favor.Job Overview: Under the direct supervision of the Camp Manager and technical supervision of the CP-WPE Program Manager, the livelihood officer will work with WPE and CP project staff and IRC’s implementing partner(s) to ensure that activities are provided following IRC standards, including policies and strategies. The incumbent will give support to the program to ensure technically sound and complementary programming and project support to target beneficiaries in the whole project cycle implementation. The officer will ensure successful support for livelihoods programming, which includes follow-up to the business development clients, establishing and strengthening village saving and loan association (VSLA), skill training and provision of multi-purpose cash assistance (MPCA), and other related activities.

Major job responsibilities:

Project implementation support, technical capacity building Undertake community vulnerability assessment and process in target communities (particularly the Bambasi IDP sites and nearby host communities) to define community gaps and provide the basis for planning.Lead the identification and selection of the project client jointly with the communities and local leaders/authority using criteria.Based on the selection criteria set, identify and form VSLA groups in collaboration with local stakeholders and community leaders  Train IRC front-line staff and the clients on VSLA principles, procedures, and actions, financial literacy, and recording, and related topics.Train VSLA members on basic business skills, economic empowerment, VSLA principles, procedures, basic financial literacy, recording, and saving Develop work plans (Weekly, Monthly, and Quarterly) to ensure effective implementation of livelihood activities as outlined in the detailed implementation plan.Establish a follow-up mechanism and provide technical guidance for the IRC business development clients.Develop selection criteria and engage with all the relevant actors for the selection of multi-purpose cash assistance (MPCA) clients.Develop selection criteria for the skill-building trainings and engage with the nearby vocational colleges to link clients with the institutions, likewise develop standards to conduct strong follow-up throughout the training session.Conduct an assessment on financial service providers and challenges in reaching vulnerable groups.Link the VSLA groups and business development trainees with the Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOs) and Micro Financial Institutions (MFI) services for further financial access.Ensure all clients are properly using and administering any cash support provided by IRC through training members, providing technical supervision, assistance, and cash awareness raising.Facilitate the identification of village-level VSLA agents to enhance community awareness and ownership/sustainability of the VSLA approach.Set up or strengthen community-based organizations to facilitate project planning and implementation. Initiate and support village savings and loan associations to improve the leadership and the capacity of women's agency. Undertake detailed data collection and analysis with regard to IDPs livelihoods aspect of the project in the targeted Woredas. Provide capacity building for community members, local implementing partners, and small and medium enterprises. Ensure appropriate methodologies and technical approaches are developed for all program activities Work closely with the IRC Senior CP/CWI WPE officers, Cash team/ other project officers/ other partners to ensure alignment of the project with the strategic plan and relevant theories of change of the planWork closely with the CP-WPE program manager, CP/WPE officers, government stakeholders, IDP representatives, and partners to ensure alignment of the project with the strategic plan and relevant theories of change. Support the development of Standard Operating Procedures and mentorship notes for program activities. Support the development of Standard Operating Procedures and mentorship notes for WPE/CP program activities.Ensure regular monitoring and modification of ongoing programming as required. Project Monitoring and ReportingPrepare relevant activity reports as agreed upon schedules (weekly, monthly, and quarterly) on activities, indicators, and achievements.Work closely and coordinate with IRC logistics, finance, and grant staff to ensure timely and compliant program activities and expenditures, including active participation in procurement, supply chain, grant, and other meetings.Work closely and coordinate with IRC SC, finance, and programs staff to ensure timely and compliant program activities and expenditures, including active participation in procurement and cash provision meetings and monitoring.Together with the line manager and Accountability and Learning officers, develop and implement a full monitoring and evaluation framework for livelihoods and employment activities as well as learning strategies, and adapt them to the different program methodologies.Together with WPE/CP manager and senior WPE/CP officers, develop and implement a full monitoring and evaluation framework for livelihoods and employment activities, as well as learning strategies, and adapt them to the different program methodologies.Program design/coordination. Support the team in developing sound technical design and components of business plans and concept notes. Develop and maintain effective coordination and long-term mechanisms with external partners, including partner agencies/NGOS, government departments, community-based organizations, private sector partners, and others representing IRC. Together with the line managers /team members, regularly engage internally and externally with stakeholders. Participate in IRC and working groups and communities of practice around livelihoods to share strategies, disseminate research and program successes, discuss implementation challenges, and share standard methodologies. Participate in IRC and cash working groups, business development training, and cash provision to develop and strengthen their livelihoods and share strategies, tools to disseminate program successes, discuss implementation challenges, and share standard methodologiesSupport the sharing of information and learning across livelihood-related programsOther duties as assigned by the supervisor to enable and develop IRC programsMinimum Qualifications:Job RequirementsEducational Requirements MSc/BSc Degree in agriculture, agricultural Economics, international development, economics, business administration, and/or related certification.

Preferred experience & skills: - 

Minimum work experience of 1 year for MSc Degree holders, 2 years for BSc Degree holders.NGO experience is a plus. Demonstrated experience in humanitarian response, with specific experience in livelihoods and enterprise development approaches.Proven private sector experience, or experience supporting business and business skill development.Prior experience working in emergency settings or insecure environments is preferred.Strong program/technical, team leadership skills, planning, reporting, monitoring, and evaluation skills.Strong written and oral communication skills, effective in representation and liaison with external parties.INGO experience required, experience with coordination systems or advocacy is preferable.Must be capable of applying skills and knowledge in a range of capacities, including direct data collection and analysis,Implementation, advisory functions, training, and the transfer of technical knowledge and leadership skills to others.Ability of basic computer skills, mainly MS Word, Excel, etc.Works well in and promotes teamwork, comfortable in a multi-cultural environment.Flexible and able to handle pressure well.Language RequirementsProficiency in English is required, and knowledge of the local language is advantageous.IRC is an equal employment opportunity employer.  IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability.

IRC strives to build a diverse and inclusive team at all levels who as individuals, and as a group, embody our culture statement creating a working environment characterized by critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity for us to achieve our aspirations as a team and deliver the best possible services to our clients. 


Standard of Professional Conduct:The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.
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